Search

PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted cancer care in Africa, further exposing major health disparities. This paper compares and contrasts the experiences of 15 clinicians in six different African cancer centers to highlight the positive aspects (silver linings) in an otherwise negative situation. METHODS Data are from personal experience of the clinicians working at the six cancer centers blended with what is available in the literature. RESULTS The impact of COVID-19 on cancer care appeared to vary not only across the continent but also over cancer centers. Different factors such as clinic location, services offered, available resources, and level of restrictions imposed because of COVID-19 were associated with these variations. Collectively, delays in treatment and limited access to cancer care were commonly reported in the different regions. CONCLUSION There is a lack of data on cancer patients with COVID-19 and online COVID-19 and cancer registries for Africa. Analysis of the available data, however, suggests a higher mortality rate for cancer patients with COVID-19 compared with those without cancer. Positive or silver linings coming out of the pandemic include the adoption of hypofractionated radiation therapy and teleoncology to enhance access to care while protecting patients and staff members. Increasing collaborations using online technology with oncology health professionals across the world are also being seen as a silver lining, with valuable sharing of experiences and expertise to improve care, enhance learning, and reduce disparities. Advanced information and communication technologies are seen as vital for such collaborations and could avail efforts in dealing with the ongoing pandemic and potential future crises.

Background Symptom control among cancer patients is a Tanzanian public health priority impacted by limited access to palliative care (PC) specialists and resources. Mobile Palliative Care Link (mPCL), a mobile/web application, aims to extend specialist access via shared care with local health workers (LHWs) with the African Palliative care Outcome Scale (POS) adapted for regular, automated symptom assessment as a core feature. Objective The aim of the study is to assess clinicians' attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions regarding mPCL usability and utility with their patients within a government-supported, urban Tanzanian cancer hospital setting. Methods We used a mixed methods approach including surveys, qualitative interviews, and system usage data to assess clinicians' experience with mPCL in a field study where discharged, untreatable cancer patients were randomized to mPCL or phone-contact POS collection. Results All six specialists and 10 LHWs expressed overall satisfaction with mPCL among 49 intervention arm patients. They perceived mPCL as a way to stay connected with patients and support remote symptom control. Timely access to POS responses and medical records were identified as key benefits. Some differences in perceptions of mPCL use and utility were seen between clinician groups; however, both expressed strong interest in continuing app use, recommending it to colleagues, and extending use throughout Tanzania. Primary use was for clinical status communication and care coordination. Pain and other symptom progression were the most frequently reported reasons for provider–patient interactions accounting for 34% (n = 44) and 12% (n = 15) of reasons, respectively. Usage barriers included time required to create a new clinical record, perceived need for response to non-urgent reminders or alerts, and training. necessary for competent use. System-level implementation barriers included variable patient access to smartphones and SIM cards and unreliable Internet access. Conclusion This work demonstrates broad clinician desire for digital health tools to support remote community-based PC among cancer patients, particularly pain management.

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), urgent action is needed to curb a growing crisis in cancer incidence and mortality. Without rapid interventions, data estimates show a major increase in cancer mortality from 520 348 in 2020 to about 1 million deaths per year by 2030. Here, we detail the state of cancer in SSA, recommend key actions on the basis of analysis, and highlight case studies and successful models that can be emulated, adapted, or improved across the region to reduce the growing cancer crises. Recommended actions begin with the need to develop or update national cancer control plans in each country. Plans must include childhood cancer plans, managing comorbidities such as HIV and malnutrition, a reliable and predictable supply of medication, and the provision of psychosocial, supportive, and palliative care. Plans should also engage traditional, complementary, and alternative medical practices employed by more than 80% of SSA populations and pathways to reduce missed diagnoses and late referrals. More substantial investment is needed in developing cancer registries and cancer diagnostics for core cancer tests. We show that investments in, and increased adoption of, some approaches used during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as hypofractionated radiotherapy and telehealth, can substantially increase access to cancer care in Africa, accelerate cancer prevention and control efforts, increase survival, and save billions of US dollars over the next decade. The involvement of African First Ladies in cancer prevention efforts represents one practical approach that should be amplified across SSA. Moreover, investments in workforce training are crucial to prevent millions of avoidable deaths by 2030. We present a framework that can be used to strategically plan cancer research enhancement in SSA, with investments in research that can produce a return on investment and help drive policy and effective collaborations. Expansion of universal health coverage to incorporate cancer into essential benefits packages is also vital. Implementation of the recommended actions in this Commission will be crucial for reducing the growing cancer crises in SSA and achieving political commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by a third by 2030.

PURPOSE Late-stage cancer patient symptom control is a national priority in Tanzania. Mobile health promises to improve the reach of a limited pool of palliative care specialists through interprofessional, community-based care coordination. This work assessed the effectiveness of a smartphone- or Web-based app, mPalliative Care Link (mPCL), to extend specialist access via shared data and communication with local health workers. Central to mPCL is the African Palliative care Outcome Scale (POS), adapted for automated mobile symptom assessment and response. METHODS Adult patients with incurable cancer were randomly assigned at hospital discharge to mPCL versus phone-contact POS collection. Sociodemographic, clinical, and POS data were obtained at baseline. Twice-weekly POS responses were collected and managed via mPCL or phone contact with clinician study personnel for up to 4 months, on the basis of study arm assignment. Patient end-of-study care satisfaction was assessed via phone survey. RESULTS Forty-nine patients per arm participated. Comparison of baseline characteristics showed an insignificant trend toward more women ( P = .07) and higher discharge morphine use ( P = .09) in the mPCL group compared with phone-contact and significant between-group differences in cancer types ( P = .003). Proportions of deaths were near equal between groups (mPCL: 27%; phone-contact: 29%). Overall symptom severity was significantly lower in the phone-contact group ( P < .0001), and symptom severity decreased over time in both groups ( P = .0001); however, between-group change in overall symptoms over time did not vary significantly ( P = .34). Care satisfaction was generally high in both groups. CONCLUSION Higher symptom severity scores in the mPCL arm likely reflect between-group sociodemographic and clinical differences and clinical support of phone-contact arm participants. Similar rates of care satisfaction in both groups suggest that mPCL may support symptom-focused care coordination in a more efficient and scalable manner than phone contact. A broader study of mPCL's cost efficiency and utility in Tanzania is needed.

Background: A number of countries have adopted sugar-sweetened beverage taxes to prevent non-communicable diseases but there is variance in the structures and rates of the taxes. As interventions, sugar-sweetened beverage taxes could be cost-effective but must be compliant with existing legal and taxation systems. Objectives: To assess the legal feasibility of introducing or strengthening taxation laws related to sugar-sweetened beverages, for prevention of non-communicable diseases in seven countries: Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Methods: We assessed the legal feasibility of adopting four types of sugar-sweetened beverage tax formulations in each of the seven countries, using the novel FELIP framework. We conducted a desk-based review of the legal system related to sugar-sweetened beverage taxation and assessed the barriers to, and facilitators and legal feasibility of, introducing each of the selected formulations by considering the existing laws, laws related to impacted sectors, legal infrastructure, and processes involved in adopting laws. Results: Six countries had legal mandates to prevent non-communicable diseases and protect the health of citizens. As of 2019, all countries had excise tax legislation. Five countries levied excise taxes on all soft drinks, but most did not exclusively target sugar-sweetened beverages, and taxation rates were well below the World Health Organization’s recommended 20%. In Uganda and Kenya, agricultural or HIV-related levies offered alternative mechanisms to disincentivise consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages without the introduction of new taxes. Nutrition-labelling laws in all countries made it feasible to adopt taxes linked to the sugar content of beverages, but there were lacunas in existing infrastructure for more sophisticated taxation structures. Conclusion: Sugar-sweetened beverage taxes are legally feasible in all seven countries Existing laws provide a means to implement taxes as a public health intervention.

Background: Non-communicable diseases are on the rise across sub-Saharan Africa. The region has become a targeted growth market for sugar-sweetened beverages, which are associated with weight gain, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Objective: To identify politico-economic factors relevant to nutrition-related fiscal policies, and to draw lessons regarding strategies to strengthen sugar-sweetened beverages taxation in the region and globally. Methods: We collected documentary data on policy content, stakeholders and corporate political activity from seven countries in east and southern Africa augmented by qualitative interviews in Botswana, Namibia, Kenya and Zambia, and stakeholder consultations in Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. Data were analysed using a political economy framework, focusing on ideas, institutions, interests and power, and a ‘bricolage’ approach was employed to identify strategies for future action. Results: Non-communicable diseases were recognised as a priority in all countries. Kenya, Zambia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda had taxes on non-alcoholic beverages, which varied in rate and tax base, but appeared to be motivated by revenue rather than health concerns. Botswana and Namibia indicated intention to adopt sugar-sweetened beverage taxes. Health-oriented sugar-sweetened beverage taxation faced challenges from entrenched economic policy paradigms for industry-led economic growth and was actively opposed by sugar-sweetened beverage-related industries. Strategies identified to support stronger sugar-sweetened beverage taxation included shifting the economic discourse to strengthen health considerations, developing positive public opinion, forging links with the agriculture sector for shared benefit, and leadership by a central government agency. Conclusions: There are opportunities for more strategic public health engagement with the economic sector to foster strong nutrition-related fiscal policy for non-communicable disease prevention in the region.

This paper reports on the design of a study to examine the policy landscape relevant to sugar-sweetened beverage taxation in seven sub-Saharan African countries. The study responds to the need for strong policy to address the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in the region. Sugar-sweetened beverage taxation has been widely recommended as a key component of a comprehensive policy approach to NCD prevention. However, it has proved a contentious policy intervention, with industry strongly opposing the introduction of such taxes. The aim was to identify opportunities to strengthen sugar-sweetened beverage taxation-related policy for the prevention of nutrition-related NCDs in a subset of Eastern and Southern African countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Rwanda, Namibia, Zambia, Uganda. The study was conducted as a collaboration by researchers from nine institutions; including the seven study countries, South Africa, and Australia. The research protocol was collaboratively developed, drawing on theories of the policy process to examine the existing availability of evidence, policy context, and stakeholder interests and influence. This paper describes the development of a method for a policy landscape analysis to strengthen policies relevant to NCD prevention, and specifically sugar-sweetened beverage taxation. This takes the form of a prospective policy analysis, based on systematic documentary analysis supplemented by consultations with policy actors, that is feasible in low-resource settings. Data were collected from policy documents, government and industry reports, survey documentation, webpages, and academic literature. Consultations were conducted to verify the completeness of the policy-relevant data collection. We analysed the frames and beliefs regarding the policy ‘problems’, the existing policy context and understandings of sugar-sweetened beverage taxation as a potential policy intervention, and the political context across relevant sectors, including industry interests and influence in the policy process. This study design will provide insights to inform public health action to support sugar-sweetened beverage taxation in the region.

BACKGROUND Improving access to end-of-life symptom control interventions among cancer patients is a public health priority in Tanzania, and innovative community-based solutions are needed. Mobile health technology holds promise; however, existing resources are limited, and outpatient access to palliative care specialists is poor. A mobile platform that extends palliative care specialist access via shared care with community-based local health workers (LHWs) and provides remote support for pain and other symptom management can address this care gap. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to design and develop mobile-Palliative Care Link (mPCL), a web and mobile app to support outpatient symptom assessment and care coordination and control, with a focus on pain. METHODS A human-centered iterative design framework was used to develop the mPCL prototype for use by Tanzanian palliative care specialists (physicians and nurses trained in palliative care), poor-prognosis cancer patients and their lay caregivers (patients and caregivers), and LHWs. Central to mPCL is the validated African Palliative Care Outcome Scale (POS), which was adapted for automated, twice-weekly collection of quality of life–focused patient and caregiver responses and timely review, reaction, and tracking by specialists and LHWs. Prototype usability testing sessions were conducted in person with 21 key informants representing target end users. Sessions consisted of direct observations and qualitative and quantitative feedback on app ease of use and recommendations for improvement. Results were applied to optimize the prototype for subsequent real-world testing. Early pilot testing was conducted by deploying the app among 10 patients and caregivers, randomized to mPCL use versus phone-contact POS collection, and then gathering specialist and study team feedback to further optimize the prototype for a broader randomized field study to examine the app’s effectiveness in symptom control among cancer patients. RESULTS mPCL functionalities include the ability to create and update a synoptic clinical record, regular real-time symptom assessment, patient or caregiver and care team communication and care coordination, symptom-focused educational resources, and ready access to emergency phone contact with a care team member. Results from the usability and pilot testing demonstrated that all users were able to successfully navigate the app, and feedback suggests that mPCL has clinical utility. User-informed recommendations included further improvement in app navigation, simplification of patient and caregiver components and language, and delineation of user roles. CONCLUSIONS We designed, built, and tested a usable, functional mobile app prototype that supports outpatient palliative care for Tanzanian patients with cancer. mPCL is expressly designed to facilitate coordinated care via customized interfaces supporting core users—patients or caregivers, LHWs, and members of the palliative care team—and their respective roles. Future work is needed to demonstrate the effectiveness and sustainability of mPCL to remotely support the symptom control needs of Tanzanian cancer patients, particularly in harder-to-reach areas.

Background: Recent work has highlighted the tremendous potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in advancing global oncology education, research and care The COVID-19 pandemic has made the development of effective approaches for online education even more crucial Here we assessed the readiness, interest and potential models for effective implementation of ICT-powered oncology education in Africa Methods: Building on previous work by the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), a survey was conducted to assess the electronic learning (e-Learning) readiness of oncology health professionals using an online self-assessment tool Components of e-Learning readiness assessed include access to computers, Internet, appropriate bandwidth and interest As a practical test model, an ICT resource-intensive radiation oncology training programme was implemented via the Global Oncology University (GO-U) collaborative education platform An analysis of results, challenges and opportunities resulting from these is discussed for advancing online oncology education in Africa Results: The survey showed over 92% of health professionals have access to computers, laptops or other technology that can allow them to participate in online education Over 45% of oncology health professionals have already participated in some form of online education Interest in online education was over 93% Models for effective online learning in oncology include synchronous and asynchronous short-term courses for continuous education and long-term degree and residency programmes There was a significant increase in skills level following the collaborative radiation oncology training model used by the GO-U platform Conclusion: Africa has the capacity to implement successful e-Learning in oncology, which is consistent with findings in previous work such as the AORTIC Greater investment by institutions and governments is needed in terms of resources and policy changes to facilitate the implementation of effective online oncology training Purposeful engagement of diaspora oncology health professionals with relevant cultural backgrounds as with some current collaborative efforts is highly recommended in helping turn brain drain into brain circulation Copyright: © the authors;licensee ecancermedicalscience This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License

PURPOSE The limited radiotherapy resources for global cancer control have resulted in increased interest in developing time- and cost-saving innovations to expand access to those resources. Hypofractionated regimens could minimize cost and increase access for limited-resource countries. In this investigation, we estimated the percentage cost-savings per radiotherapy course and increased radiotherapy access in African countries after adopting hypofractionation for breast and prostate radiotherapy. For perspective, results were compared with high-income countries. METHODS The cost and course of breast and prostate radiotherapy for conventional and hypofractionated regimens in low-resource facilities were calculated using the Radiotherapy Cost Estimator tool developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and then compared with another activity-based costing model. The potential maximum cost savings in each country over 7 years for breast and prostate radiotherapy were then estimated using cancer incidence data from the Global Cancer Observatory database with use rates applied. The increase in radiotherapy access was estimated by current national capacities from the IAEA directory. RESULTS The estimated cost per course of conventional and hypofractionated regimens were US$2,232 and $1,339 for breast treatment, and $3,389 and $1,699 for prostate treatment, respectively. The projected potential maximum cost savings with full hypofractionation implementation were $1.1 billion and $606 million for breast and prostate treatment, respectively. The projected increase of radiotherapy access due to implementing hypofractionation varied between +0.3% to 25% and +0.4% to 36.0% for breast and prostate treatments, respectively. CONCLUSION This investigation demonstrates that adopting hypofractionated regimens as standard treatment of breast and prostate cancers can result in substantial savings and increase radiotherapy access in developing countries. Given reduced delivery cost and treatment times, we anticipate a substantial increase in radiotherapy access with additional innovations that will allow progressive hypofractionation without compromising quality.

Purpose To provide resource-stratified, evidence-based recommendations on the secondary prevention of cervical cancer globally. Methods ASCO convened a multidisciplinary, multinational panel of oncology, primary care, epidemiology, health economic, cancer control, public health, and patient advocacy experts to produce recommendations reflecting four resource-tiered settings. A review of existing guidelines, a formal consensus-based process, and a modified ADAPTE process to adapt existing guidelines were conducted. Other experts participated in formal consensus. Results Seven existing guidelines were identified and reviewed, and adapted recommendations form the evidence base. Four systematic reviews plus cost-effectiveness analyses provided indirect evidence to inform consensus, which resulted in ≥ 75% agreement. Recommendations Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing is recommended in all resource settings; visual inspection with acetic acid may be used in basic settings. Recommended age ranges and frequencies by setting are as follows: maximal: ages 25 to 65, every 5 years; enhanced: ages 30 to 65, if two consecutive negative tests at 5-year intervals, then every 10 years; limited: ages 30 to 49, every 10 years; and basic: ages 30 to 49, one to three times per lifetime. For basic settings, visual assessment is recommended as triage; in other settings, genotyping and/or cytology are recommended. For basic settings, treatment is recommended if abnormal triage results are present; in other settings, colposcopy is recommended for abnormal triage results. For basic settings, treatment options are cryotherapy or loop electrosurgical excision procedure; for other settings, loop electrosurgical excision procedure (or ablation) is recommended. Twelve-month post-treatment follow-up is recommended in all settings. Women who are HIV positive should be screened with HPV testing after diagnosis and screened twice as many times per lifetime as the general population. Screening is recommended at 6 weeks postpartum in basic settings; in other settings, screening is recommended at 6 months. In basic settings without mass screening, infrastructure for HPV testing, diagnosis, and treatment should be developed. Additional information can be found at www.asco.org/rs-cervical-cancer-secondary-prev-guideline and www.asco.org/guidelineswiki . It is the view of of ASCO that health care providers and health care system decision makers should be guided by the recommendations for the highest stratum of resources available. The guideline is intended to complement, but not replace, local guidelines.

Background High blood pressure is increasing worldwide, disproportionately so in developing countries. Inadequate health care systems and adoption of unhealthy lifestyles have been linked to this emergent pattern. To better understand this trend, it is imperative we measure prevalence of hypertension, and examine specific risk factors, at a local level. This study provides a cross-sectional view of urban residents of Arusha City to determine prevalence and associated risk factors. Methods Blood pressure was measured using a digital sphygmomanometer. Interviews were conducted using the WHO STEPwise survey questionnaire to assess lifestyle factors. Dietary intake information was collected by a standardized Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic characteristics. Means and standard deviations were calculated for continuous variables and percentages for categorical variables. Pearson’s Chi Square (χ 2) tests were used to determine significant risk factors for hypertension, and multivariate log binomial regression was used to reveal potential predictors of hypertension. Dietary patterns were analyzed by principal component analysis. Results Approximately 45% of the study population was found to be hypertensive. The mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) of the sample was 102.3 mmHg (SD = 18.3). Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 136.3 (SD = 30.5) and 85.3 (SD = 16.1) mmHg, respectively. Through multivariate analysis, age and body mass index were found to be independently, positively, associated with hypertension. Adherence to ‘healthy’ dietary pattern was negatively independently associated with hypertension. Conclusions With nearly half of participants being hypertensive, this study suggests that hypertension is a significant health risk in Arusha, Tanzania. Obesity, healthy diet, and age were found to be positively associated with hypertension risk. This study did not establish any significant association between increased blood pressure and Western-dietary pattern, cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, and physical activities.

Proper diet is important in preventing many diseases, and colorectal cancer is no exception. The aim of this study was to identify major dietary patterns among the general population in Arusha Tanzania to determine whether diet is one of the predictors contributing to the observed pattern and distribution of colorectal cancer in Tanzania. A population based cross-sectional study recruited a sample of self-reported healthy individuals residing in four wards of the City of Arusha, Tanzania. A total of 549 participants were recruited on a voluntary basis. The Food Frequency Questionnaire and the World Health Organization (WHO) Step® survey tool were used to collect data. Factor analysis, Pearson correlation (Pearson’s r), and logistic regression were used to analyze the data.Two major dietary patterns, namely “healthy” and “western”, and one minor pattern existed among the study population. The "healthy" pattern was generally associated with females (56.2%, p=0.074), people with primary level of education (62.7%, p=0.667), age category of 25 to 44 (66.3%, p= 0.370), normal range body mass index (BMI) (42.4%, p=0.967), self-employed (78.5%), non-smokers (86.6%) and non-alcohol drinkers (51%), although the differences were not statistically significant. "Western" dietary pattern adherence was associated with area of residence (p=0.0001), gender (p=0.003) and BMI status (p=0.04) in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, higher odds were observed in individuals aged 25 to 34 (OR=1.104, 95%, CI(0.537-2.2267) and 45 to 54 OR=1.091, 95%, CI(0.521-2.283), alcohol drinkers (OR=1.2, 95%, CI(0.767-1.877), people with college or high levels of education (OR=0. 853, 95%, CI(0.260-2.803) and OR=0.550, 95%,CI(0. 159-1.897), smokers (OR=1.030, 95%, CI(0.519-2.044) and overweight or obese (OR=2.676, 95%, CI(0.981-7.298) and OR=2.045, 95%, CI(0.767-5.454). These data support our previous hypothesis that diet could be an important potential predictor of the previously observed pattern and distribution of colorectal cancer in Tanzania. Key words: Diet, colon cancer, rectal cancer, Tanzania, population.

While progress in oncology has been remarkable in recent decades, not every cancer patient is benefitting from the advances made in treating their disease. The contrast in diagnosis, treatment and its outcome between high-resource and low-resource countries is dramatic. Africa presents an enormous challenge with population growth and life expectancy increasing in many countries as the toll of AIDS and other communicable diseases declines. However, there has been little investment in capacity of any sort to deal with the current cancer problem, never mind the rapid increase in incidence which is underway. This is a critical area for investment and not only of a purely financial nature. It is bad to have cancer and worse to have cancer if you are poor. The gap between rich and poor, highly educated and less educated and the North-South divide is substantial and continuing to grow. Radical solutions are urgently needed: the status quo is not an appropriate response to the current situation. Recognising that no single government or source of philanthropy has the means to solve this problem, new models are needed to cope with and improve this situation.

A type of cancer which originates from the breast tissue is referred to as breast cancer. Globally, it is the most common cause of death in women. Treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and gene therapy are the main strategies in the fight against breast cancer. The present study aims at investigating the effects of the combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy as a way to treat breast cancer, and different treatment approaches are incorporated into the model. Also, the model is fitted to data on patients with breast cancer in Tanzania. We determine new treatment strategies, and finally, we show that when sufficient amount of chemotherapy and radiotherapy with a low decay rate is used, the drug will be significantly more effective in combating the disease while health cells remain above the threshold.

1584 Background: Cancer is a growing public health concern in Tanzania (and throughout sub-Saharan Africa), with a majority of cases presenting in late stage with associated distress, ie, pain. Access to specialty palliative care (PC) is a national priority in Tanzania; however, there are limited numbers of PC specialists (hereafter, specialists). Mobile health promises to extend the reach of a limited pool of specialists through inter-professional, community-based care coordination. This work assessed the effectiveness of a smartphone-/web-based application, mobile Palliative Care Link (mPCL), to extend specialist access via shared data and communication with local health workers (LHWs). Central to mPCL is the African Palliative care Outcome Scale (POS), adapted for automated, scheduled mobile symptom assessment and response. Methods: Following consent, incurable adult cancer patients were randomized at hospital discharge from a large urban, government-supported Tanzanian cancer institute to one of two study arms—mPCL or phone-contact POS collection. Baseline sociodemographic, clinical and POS data were recorded. Twice-weekly POS responses were collected and managed via mPCL or by phone-contact with clinician study personnel for up to 4-months depending on respective study arm. Patient end-of-study care satisfaction was assessed via phone-survey. Results: Forty-nine patients per arm participated. Comparison of baseline characteristics showed a trend toward more women ( p= 0.07) and higher discharge morphine use ( p= 0.09) in the mPCL versus phone-contact groups, respectively, and significant between-group differences in cancer types ( p= 0.003). Proportion of deaths were near-equal comparing groups [26% ( n= 13) mPCL versus 28% ( n= 14) phone-contact]. Overall symptom severity was lower in the phone-contact group ( p

Since most human papilloma virus (HPV) infections regress without any intervention, HPV is a necessary but may not be a solely sufficient cause of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer. Hence, the influence of cofactors on progression from cervical HPV infection to high-grade CIN and invasive cervical cancer has been a subject of intensive research. We assessed the effect of socio-demographic and sexual reproductive factors on the prevalence of invasive cervical cancer and CIN diagnosed in cross-sectional cervical cancer screening projects carried out in seven sites of different sub-Saharan countries. Between January 2000 and August 2007, healthy women aged 25–59 who participated in the screening projects were interviewed for socio-demographic, reproductive, and behavioral characteristics, investigated for disease confirmation with colposcopy, and had biopsies directed from colposcopically abnormal areas by trained local physicians. Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from logistic regression analyses were used to assess the effect of women characteristics on CIN 1, CIN 2–3, CIN 3, and invasive cancer outcome measures. Among 47,361 women screened and investigated for disease confirmation, CIN 1 was diagnosed in 1,069 (2.3%), CIN 2 in 517 (1.1%), CIN 3 in 175 (0.5%), and invasive cancer in 485 (1.0%). The site-specific prevalence of CIN 2–3 lesions ranged from 0.3 to 5.1% and from 0.2 to 1.9% for invasive cancers. Risk factors for CIN 2–3 were being widowed or separated versus currently married (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0–1.7 a); and having had at least four pregnancies versus zero or one pregnancy (OR at least 1.4-fold, 95% CI 1.1–1.8). Risk factors for invasive cancer were being widowed or separated versus currently married (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3–3.1); and having had at least three pregnancies versus zero or one pregnancy (OR at least 3.0-fold, 95% CI 2.1–4.2). Additionally, cervical cancer risk increased with increasing age, age at menarche, and age at marriage, while the risk decreased with increasing level of education and in those with some form of employment compared to housewives. The exposure of the exocervix and/or the increased levels of estrogen and progesterone for more prolonged periods during pregnancy in multiparous women and the vulnerability of widowed/separated women in society might result in increased risk of cervical neoplasia more so among women exposed to HPV infection. High parity probably explains the persistently high rates of cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa.

Cervical cancer is the leading incident cancer and the main cause of cancer-related mortality among women in sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, HIV-infected women are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer than HIV-negative women. The purpose of this study was to distinguish differences in characteristics of HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients with cervical cancer in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The HIV status of cervical cancer patients diagnosed and/or treated at Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, during the period 2007–2011 was abstracted from the medical records. Additional abstracted information included patient’s name, age, place of residence, occupation, education, marital status, age at marriage, gravidity, and screening clinic visit results. Ocean Road Cancer Institute patients came from two sources: the screening clinic followed by treatment clinic or the treatment clinic without prior screening. HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients were compared regarding the above-listed clinical and epidemiologic factors. Multivariable analysis was also performed to assess the risk factors associated with cervical cancer treatment without prior screening at Ocean Road Cancer Institute. HIV-positive cervical cancer patients tended to be younger, with higher education and lower parity. Patients screened for cervical cancer prior to treatment were more likely to be HIV-positive (OR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.36, 3.21), less likely to have higher disease stages (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.94), and less likely to reside outside of Dar es Salaam (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.65). Screening for cervical cancer at Ocean Road Cancer Institute is utilised by more HIV-positive patients from Dar es Salaam. Future studies should focus on identifying the reasons for lower utilisation of screening by HIV-negative patients and patients from other distant rural regions in Tanzania.

“The chance for a cure, the chance to live, should no longer remain an accident of geography” (1). This is one of the key messages in “Closing the cancer divide: A blueprint to expand access in low and middle income countries” (1). This article highlights the growing burden of global cancer disparities and makes a compelling case that the time for unified action to close this divide is now. There is growing consensus that information and communication technologies (ICTs) have tremendous potential to catalyze global health collaborations. Advanced ICTs can be used to leverage the recent major upsurge in global health interest into greater space-time flexible collaborative action against cancer and for enhancing greater effectiveness of existing global health initiatives. The recent call for greater action in closing the cancer divide through collaborations, including that in International Journal of Radiation, Oncology, Biology, Physics (IJROBP), inspired the 2015 Global Health Catalyst cancer summit, which brought together a unique combination of global oncology leaders, diaspora leaders, and ICT and palliative care experts, industry, nonprofits, and policy makers. The summit provided a forum for networking, knowledge sharing, and discussion of some of the emerging models for ICT-powered global health collaborations in radiation oncology care, research, and education, as well as avenues for complementary outreach, including engagement with the diaspora. This article summarizes the discussions and recommendations from the summit and highlights the emerging ICT-powered models for radiation oncology global health, avenues for greater outreach (ubuntu, a term signifying the idea that “I am because we are,” or human connectedness [see discussion below]) for greater impact and sustainability, as well as emerging areas for scaling up and increased action toward closing the cancer divide. At the primary level, a distressing illustration of the cancer divide can be seen in Africa, where most of Africa’s more than 2000 languages do not even have a word for cancer (2). Thus, in that geography, many people die painfully of cancer and, sadly, do not know it. In areas more familiar with cancer, a great lack of cancer prevention education or awareness of the importance of early detection contributes to over one third of preventable cancer deaths (3). This problem is further exacerbated by a culture of silence and strong social stigma associated with the disease (4); even young doctors do not want to specialize in oncology, a medical area that talks only about pain and death. The stigma also means that the overwhelming majority of patients only present late with the disease when it is too late to cure them; the ensuing deaths then further reinforce the stigma that cancer is essentially a death sentence. At a secondary level, the cancer divide is illustrated by the lack of capacity to manage patients once their disease is diagnosed, a problem inherent in poor health care systems. For example, approximately half of Africa’s 54 countries still have no radiation therapy services typically needed in the treatment of more than 50% of cancer patients (5). Limitations to radiation therapy in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) include the number of radiation therapy centers, the number of treatment units, the critical shortage in health care workforce, the lack of safety regulatory infrastructure, and the perception that radiation therapy is a complex and expensive solution. Without greater investment and collaboration in radiation therapy services, this will only exacerbate the burden of cancer and make the cancer divide worse. Meanwhile, at the tertiary level, the cancer divide is appropriately captured by what has been called “the pain divide” (6). Here, many people dying with cancer do so in excruciating pain, due to a lack of basic pain medication and other palliative options. Such harrowing deaths with needless suffering bolster the physical and social trauma of cancer and the reason why many people in LMICs do not even want to talk about cancer. A word of African origin, which people do like to talk about, is ubuntu. Popularized worldwide by African Nobel Prize winners Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela, ubuntu signifies the idea that “I am because we are,” or human connectedness. This ethos rings particularly true in today’s hyperconnected world, where we all share in the bounty of the expanding internet or ICTs and where local health has become global health and vice versa. Ubuntu also represents an operating system underlying ICTs used for cloud computing, including in radiation oncology. The recent call for greater action in closing the cancer divide through collaborations (1, 7–9), including more recently in radiation oncology (8), inspired the 2015 Global Health Catalyst (GHC) cancer summit (10), which brought together a unique combination of global oncology leaders, industry, policy makers, and African diaspora leaders. Here the African diaspora refers to Africans settled outside of the African continent. Building on a recent publication (11), a central theme of the summit was the use of ICTs to catalyze high-impact international collaborations in cancer care, research, and education with Africa. This article summarizes the summit proceedings and highlights the emerging ICT-powered models for radiation oncology global health, avenues for greater partnership (ubuntu), and outreach beyond the traditional, as well as emerging areas for scaling up and increased action toward closing the cancer divide.

e24146 Background: Lack of effective end-of-life symptom control among late-stage cancer patients is a Tanzanian public health priority, calling for innovative community-based solutions. Mobile health technology holds promise; however, existing resources are limited and access to palliative care specialists is poor. This work aimed to develop a secure mobile-/web-based symptom assessment/control communication system (m-Palliative Care Link; mPCL) that extends access to a limited number of palliative care specialists (hereafter, specialists). mPCL is based on the existing patient-focused African Palliative care Outcome Scale (POS), adapted for mobile symptom assessment, and is designed to support end-of-life care coordination among specialists, patients/caregivers, and local health workers (LHWs) (i.e., user groups). Methods: In partnership with Tanzanian specialists, mPCL was developed following a user-centered design process. mPCL prototype usability testing was conducted with 5-7 participants per user group and included a combination of hands-on observations as well as collection of feedback on ease-of-use and recommendations for modifications. User input was incorporated into the mPCL prototype iteration, tested via field study with 45 late-stage cancer patients discharged from Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam. A brief mPCL usability/utility survey, including closed- and open-ended survey items, was conducted with field study participants from user groups at six weeks. Results: Prototype usability test participants successfully used the application and indicated that it would be very helpful. Recommendations from usability testing included redesign data collection tools, simplify patient/caregiver application, and broaden clinical data access. Six-week field study survey data showed that a significant majority (range: 68-100%) of specialists and patients “definitely agreed” that mPCL improved patient-provider communication, symptom-based care, care access, both quality of life and care, and reduced need for travel. Nearly all specialists and patients (93% and 98%, respectively) reported that mPCL was easy to use. Conclusions: mPCL promises to assess and address the symptom-control needs of late-stage cancer patients. Due to its reliance on existing technology/personnel, mPCL should be sustainable and scalable among cancer patients and those with other chronic diseases in low resource settings.

In response to a world in which cancer is a growing global health challenge, leaders in cancer policy from the United States and 14 economically diverse countries recently concluded that successful campaigns to control cancers and improve current strategies will increasingly depend on concerted international collaborations (1). Highlighting urgency for such collaborations, the 2014 World Health Organization Cancer Report (2) describes the growing cancer burden as alarming and a major obstacle to human development and well-being, with a growing annual economic cost of approximately 1.16 trillion US$. The report also highlights major global cancer disparities, with more than 60% of 14 million new cases and 70% of 8.2 million deaths per year occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), some of which, sadly, are the least capable of dealing with cancer without some form of collaboration. These major disparities in cancer deaths are in part a reflection of poignant underlying disparities in radiation oncology services. For example, radiation therapy, which is needed in the treatment of more than 50% of cancer patients (3), is not available in 31 of Africa’s 54 countries (4), and 55 of 139 LMICs reportedly (5) have no radiation therapy services at present. Therefore, having cancer in many LMICs often leads to a painful and distressing death.

Cancer is usually diagnosed late in rural Africa leading to incurability and abbreviated survival. Many curable cancers present on the body surface, often recognizable early by laymen as suspicious, justifying professional referral. Cancer diagnoses in two randomly chosen Tanzanian villages were compared after conventional dispensary self-referral vs. proactive visits in the home. Village navigators organized trips for professional consultation. In the control village 21% were self-referred, 20% of them were sent on as suspicious, 78% had cancer (8% in men) 0.9% of the village population. In the intervention village 99% were screened, 14% were referred for professional opinion, 93% had cancer (32% in men) 1.6% (p < 0.01 compared with control village). In the second and third years similar activity yielded 0.5% cancer annually in the control village for a 3 year total of 1.86% whereas interventional villagers had 1.4% and 0.6% cancer for a 3 year total of 3.56% (p < 0.001). Downstaging was recognized in the second and third years of intervention from 23 to 51 to 74% Stages I and II (p < 0.001) but in the control village Stages I and II changed from 11% to 22% to 37% (p = NS). The greatest downstaging occurred in breast and cervix cancers.

World Health Organization (WHO) recommended 2 doses of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for girls below 15 y on the basis of the immune-bridging studies demonstrating non-inferior immune response of 2 doses in the adolescent girls compared to 3 doses in the young adult women in whom the efficacy against disease is established. The biological nature of the antigens (virus-like particles) constituting the HPV vaccine is responsible for the vigorous antibody response that may make the third dose redundant. The protection offered by 2 doses has been demonstrated in non-randomized clinical trials to be comparable to that offered by 3 doses against incident and persistent infections of vaccine targeted HPV types. However, results emerging from the ecological and nested case-control studies embedded in the population based screening programs of different countries indicate reduced efficacy of 2 doses against virological and disease end points. Some recent studies observed the protective effect of single dose of the vaccine against incident and persistent infections of the vaccine targeted HPV types to be similar to 3 doses in spite of immunological inferiority. The sample size, duration of follow-ups and number of events were limited in these studies. Longer follow ups of the less than 3 doses cohorts in the ongoing studies as well as appropriately designed and ethically justifiable randomized studies are needed to establish the protection offered by the alternative schedules at least beyond 10 y of vaccination.

Radiotherapy is a crucial component of cancer care, employed in the treatment of over 50% of cancer patients. Patients undergoing image-guided radiotherapy or brachytherapy routinely have inert radiotherapy (RT) biomaterials implanted into their tumors. The single function of these RT biomaterials is to ensure geometric accuracy during treatment. Recent studies have proposed that the inert biomaterials could be upgraded to ‘smart’ RT biomaterials, designed to do more than one function. Such smart biomaterials include next generation fiducial markers, brachytherapy spacers, and balloon applicators, designed to respond to stimulus and perform additional desirable functions like controlled delivery of therapy-enhancing payloads directly into the tumor sub-volume, while minimizing normal tissue toxicities. More broadly, smart RT biomaterials may include functionalized nanoparticles that can be activated to boost radiotherapy efficacy. This work reviews the rationale for smart radiotherapy biomaterials, the state-of-the-art in this emerging cross-disciplinary research area, challenges/opportunities for further research and development, and a purview of potential clinical applications. Applications covered include using smart RT biomaterials for boosting cancer therapy with minimal side effects, combining radiotherapy with immunotherapy or chemotherapy, reducing treatment time or healthcare costs, and other incipient applications.

Tanzania has high human immunodeficiency virus and human herpes virus-8 rates linked to Kaposi’s sarcoma. We conducted a study at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to examine changes in proportions of Kaposi’s sarcoma to all cancers over the period (2006–2011) of increased acquired immune deficiency syndrome management by anti-retroviral therapy. We included 1504 Kaposi’s sarcoma cases from Ocean Road Cancer Institute and abstracted information regarding age, gender, human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis, anti-retroviral therapy duration and Kaposi’s sarcoma lesions. Male Kaposi’s sarcoma patients (59.6%) were older (42.1 ± 11.5 years) than women (40.4%) (36.2 ± 9.6 years). Kaposi’s sarcoma proportions declined from 10.1% in 2003 to 7.4% in 2011. Being a woman was associated with increased oral and generalized lesions and higher numbers of lesion locations (odds ratio [OR] = 2.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35, 3.51; OR = 1.49, CI: 1.08, 2.06; OR = 1.06, CI: 0.79, 1.41, respectively). Tuberculosis was associated with oral, generalized and number of lesion locations (OR = 2.08, CI: 1.10, 3.93; OR = 2.06, CI: 1.28, 3.33; OR = 1.88, CI: 1.19, 2.97, respectively). Anti-retroviral therapy duration showed a protective effect with oral, generalized and number of lesion locations (OR = 0.55, CI: 0.33, 0.91; OR = 0.73, CI: 0.52, 1.01; OR = 0.89, CI: 0.67, 1.18, respectively). With increasing number of patients receiving prolonged anti-retroviral therapy, future studies should investigate long-term effect of anti-retroviral therapy and tuberculosis in Tanzania and countries with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

To investigate promoters and barriers for cervical cancer screening in rural Tanzania.We interviewed 300 women of reproductive age living in Kiwangwa village, Tanzania. The odds of attending a free, 2-day screening service were compared with sociodemographic variables, lifestyle factors, and knowledge and attitudes surrounding cervical cancer using multivariable logistic regression.Compared with women who did not attend the screening service (n=195), women who attended (n=105) were older (OR 4.29; 95% CI, 1.61-11.48, age 40-49years versus 20-29years), listened regularly to the radio (OR 24.76; 95% CI, 11.49-53.33, listened to radio 1-3 times per week versus not at all), had a poorer quality of life (OR 4.91; CI, 1.96-12.32, lowest versus highest score), had faced cost barriers to obtaining health care in the preceding year (OR 2.24; 95% CI, 1.11-4.53, yes versus no), and held a more positive attitude toward cervical cancer screening (OR 4.64; 95% CI, 1.39-15.55, least versus most averse).Efforts aimed at improving screening rates in rural Tanzania need to address both structural and individual-level barriers, including knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer prevention, cost barriers to care, and access to health information.

Background: Infection with high-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with penile cancer in men, cervical cancer in women, and anal cancer and certain types of head and neck cancers in both sexes. Few studies have assessed the prevalence and type distribution of HPV among men in sub-Saharan Africa, where the rates of HIVand penile and cervical cancer are high. Material and Methods: We used data from a cross-sectional study among 1813 men in Tanzania. Penile samples were tested using Hybrid Capture 2, and genotyping was done by the INNO-LiPA HPVGenotyping Extra test. Blood samples were tested for HIV. The overall and type-specific prevalence and 95% confidence interval of HPV was estimated in relation to age and HIV status. Results: The overall prevalence of HPV was 20.5% (95% confidence interval, 18.7-22.4), the most prevalent HR HPV types being HPV52, HPV51, HPV16, HPV18, HPV35, and HPV66. The HR HPV prevalence was significantly higher in HIV-positive men (25.7%) than in HIVnegative men (15.8%; P = 0.0027). The prevalence of HPV16, HPV18 and multiple HR HPVs tended to be higher among HIV-positive men (statistically nonsignificant), whereas no differences were observed for the other HPV types. Conclusions: We found a high prevalence of HPV types 52, 51, 16, 18, 35, and 66. This information is of relevance in the understanding of HPV type distributions across populations. Although the prevalence of HPV16 and HPV18 was slightly higher among HIV-positive men, our results indicate that HIV status does not strongly influence the distribution of HPV types. Therefore, the currently available HPV vaccines could prevent HPV infection independently of HIV status.

While the world is focused on controlling the spread of diseases such as HIV and malaria in the developing world, another approaching epidemic has been largely overlooked. The World Heath Organization predicts that there will be 16 million new cancer cases per year in 2020 and 70% of these will be in the developing world. Many of these cancers are preventable, or treatable when detected early enough. Establishing effective, affordable and workable cancer control plans in African countries is one step in the right direction toward limiting this epidemic.

In response to the growing global health challenge in the fight against cancer, there is now a greater need for radiation oncology health professionals across institutions to collaborate and be more globally engaged. Emerging Models for Global Health in Radiation Oncology is a response to the need for a book that comprehensively covers the important and emerging field of radiation oncology. This insightful book highlights the emerging models for global radiation oncology, and serves as a useful resource to facilitate participation and greater effective collaborative global cancer care, research, and education. It is suitable for researchers, students, health professionals, and anyone interested in the global oncology community.

In response to the growing global health challenge in the fight against cancer, there is now a greater need for radiation oncology health professionals across institutions to collaborate and be more globally engaged. Emerging Models for Global Health in Radiation Oncology is a response to the need for a book that comprehensively covers the important and emerging field of radiation oncology. This insightful book highlights the emerging models for global radiation oncology, and serves as a useful resource to facilitate participation and greater effective collaborative global cancer care, research, and education. It is suitable for researchers, students, health professionals, and anyone interested in the global oncology community.